By the end of January, Christmas is a happy memory. The decorations are put away, Christmas music has ended, and the house is back to its normal state. But don’t put the holiday out of your mind just yet because now is the perfect time to get organized for next Christmas season!
While there are certainly obvious things to do in January, like hit the after-Christmas sales or return gifts that didn’t work out, it is also a great time to sit down and think clearly and strategically about next Christmas season.
Organize Your Thoughts
Grab a pen, and write down your ideas as you consider these questions:
What worked this Christmas?
Your party was a hit or you finally baked the Christmas desserts you’ve always wanted to make. Maybe you started gift shopping earlier and therefore, were less stressed in December. This year I invited the neighbor’s kids over for cookies and a craft, which was really fun. Which activities went so smoothly this year that you want to repeat them next year?
What didn’t work this Christmas?
This year I wasn’t able to make gifts for my kids like I wanted to. I never planted the paperwhite bulbs I bought to be in bloom on Christmas Day. Those are two things I’d like to do differently next year, and I am sure there are others. What will you want to do differently next year to make Christmas as special as possible?
What will you need next Christmas?
As I put away my Christmas decorations this year, I paid attention to what I have and what I will need next year. I keep this list handy on my phone. Already it lists “Lights for the tree” and an “Extension cord for outside” among other things. What do you know that you’ll need for next season? Don’t try to remember everything later. Instead, start a list now and keep it handy all year.
What do you know you want?
Maybe you’d like to host a party next year, or like me, you’d like to make more of your gifts. Maybe you know you want a family portrait taken for the cards or you want to do more baking. Write down whatever will make your holidays ideal. Then try to schedule what you can during the year. Getting ahead where you can will save stress next season.
What are your Christmas priorities?
For me, it is celebrating Christmas Day with as many family members as possible. It is being personal in my gift-giving and as stress-free as possible come December. Whatever your priorities are, keep them in mind as you go through the year!
Use these questions to help you get organized for next Christmas season!
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